Train trips, lighthouses and interesting ferries..
Another trip down to darkest Devon was in order to sample all the delights Salcombe had to offer.
Fact Panel
Details
Trip Date:
June 2011
Transport:
Rental Van
Accommodation:
Rented House
Duration:
Five Days
Cost of Trip Per Person:
£400
Video:
Canon HD Camera
Rating:
Good
Members Attending
Salcombe Trivia
County
Devon
Population:
2500
Known For:
Horray Henrys, Rain, Busy Pubs, Esturies
Where is Salcombe
Day One: Saturday 11th June
So its another trip South for the famous five. We got off to a shaky start when Mark didn’t collect the van on time and Enterprise let it go. Another was sequestered. 6 hours and 2 feeding times later and we arrive at 'Shipshake', a modern and well appointed property at the top of a hill (Which was disappointingly positioned as all the action was at the bottom of the hill). Usual trip to the local supermarket to buy lots of things we'll never eat but seemed like a good idea at the time. Three of the local pubs were sampled for the evening's activities. We wern't to know at the time, but this would be the best day for weather so the outdoor drinking ended tonight It rained first thing, putting the group into a tailspin. The flow chart didn’t have a diamond flow chart box to deal with what to do when it rains. So they milled around for a bit and then went to the aquarium in Plymouth. This was about seventh on everyone’s list but at least it was inside. Then onto the coffee bar. A Majority vote took them to Smeaton's Tower (the old Eddystone lighthouse). Taking shelter under a closed Ice cream shack, Chris set of across Plymouth Hoe to establish entry prices to the tower. Answer - It's closed on Sundays!. The group appeared to be content that he got soaked in the process. Abandoning the day, the group returned back to the house via Tesco's as there had been a run on the Boursin. The meal was courtesy of the recommended Fortescue followed by drinks in the Ka Bar.
Sal-Comedy Moment - On stopping at Gordano Services after much complaining about lunch times from Stuart ....Stuart "Why are we stopping here" Matt - "We are stopping here to club you to death with your own shoe."
Day Two: Sunday 12th June
Sal-Comedy Moment - Matt warns Mike and Chris about being careful walking down a moss covered cobbled street in Plymouth. Two seconds later he's slipped up himself and landed in the central rain gutter. Water was piling up nicely behind the blockage.
Day Three: Monday 13th June
Trains, boats & aeroplanes today, well nearly. We drive to Paignton to catch the train to Kingswear. (Bit of nostalgia here as the train had featured in the 1988 trip when we crossed the Higher ferry). At Dartmouth, The group held back as there were a large number of silvers all wanting the ferry at the same time. The Royal Dart pub provided a refuge complete with its unique 'Wishing trough' (a load of coins in the urinal). We then crossed the river for a game of golf on grass that had not been mowed in some time.. It was then a boat up river to Totnes where tea was on hand. Stuart's transport nemesis then presented itself in the form of a corporation omnibus back to Paignton. The group is weary and only four pints are sunk in the local pubs. Theres no takers for Cheese back at the house.
Sal-Comedy Moment - The Royal Dart pub toilets were of amusement. Apart from the smell, there was a urinal full of coins called a 'Wishing Trough'. You had to add to the collection and then carry on with your performance. Stuart wished that he had no sense of smell. All proceeds to the RNLI.
Day Four: Tuesday 14th June
The group went down to the beach at Salcombe to launch the 'Dinghy', replete with 5 hp motor. Some swimming was necessary as the underwhelming power of the unit couldnt shift 5 muscular framed gentlemen. By afternoon we had ventured out to Brixham for a slice of cake. Crossing the Higher ferry was part of the route and during the long wait to cross, the group were able to bone up on the history of this floating bridge on chains, only to splurge it out on the next queue abiding motorist who dared to ask a question about it. The Brasserie provides the evening meal followed by more drinks around the town. It's getting to be a winning formula.
Sal-Comedy Moment - After CC had claimed aquatic Milling as the group not being able to make a decision whilst in the water, SJB came up with Water-Milling, which Matthew then used on video, thus claiming the rights to it.
Day Five: Wednesday 15th June
The last day started with the usual Tetris game of getting everything back into the van. The only event of the day was a trip to Powderham castle. Its funny how the most boring of events come to life in the hands of the Arrow Group. We were treated to a real sleep inducer by John the guide, who wanted to explain the minutia of the inbalance of the candleabra over the centre of the lounge carpet. The group bolted for the exit as soon as John announced that we would move to the annexe to discuss the inventory of the kitchen. Sadly as with all trips, its time to go, and the group were able to drive back through the Cheddar Gorge and then on to the less historical Strensham Services on the A5.
Sal-Comedy Moment - The mature lady ticket office operator says to CC "you seem to be in charge". Which then brought about the Mr Gilbert sketch. although as a supplementary funny CC struggled on the first question of where did you hear about Powderham castle ?
